Dubai secures 437 bids for global business events in 2024, up 20 percent annually

Dubai continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for international business meetings, events, conferences, corporate gatherings, and incentive travel in 2024, successfully securing the rights to host a record 437 events across various industries. This achievement underscores Dubai's exceptional competitiveness in the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.

Driven by the Dubai Business Events (DBE), the official convention bureau of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the number of successfully bid events increased by 20% year-on-year. This further elevates Dubai’s status as a global hub for MICE, with its growth momentum fueled by innovation, infrastructure development, and its increasing global economic influence.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, stated, "The healthy growth in the number of events successfully bid for in 2024 further demonstrates that Dubai not only offers world-class business event infrastructure and capabilities, but also provides an unparalleled and memorable experience for all organizers and delegates."

These events secured in 2024 are projected to attract approximately 210,731 delegates to Dubai in the coming years, directly impacting Dubai’s economy and tourism ecosystem, while drawing talent and expertise from around the world to benefit from Dubai’s platform for knowledge sharing, professional development, and networking. Dubai’s success is attributed to collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, highlighting Dubai’s enduring appeal as a preferred, accessible, safe, and welcoming global MICE destination.

Dubai’s success also contributes to broader economic growth, by attracting more visitors, positioning Dubai in the global business events arena, and showcasing its thriving knowledge economy. Furthermore, it solidifies the important role of business events in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.

Al Khaja added, “To build on this momentum, we are working with all stakeholders, trusted partners, and service providers to elevate Dubai’s leadership in the competitive business events landscape, with the aim of achieving sustainable economic growth, which is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. We look forward to harnessing the power of opportunity to create an even greater impact for everyone and to showcase Dubai’s distinctiveness to a global audience.”

Notable wins from the past year include: the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies World Congress 2025 (4,000 delegates); the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors Forum 2025 (1,200 delegates); the Pan Arab Radiology Conference 2025 (1,500 delegates); and the Global Symposium on Health Systems Research 2026 (3,000 delegates). Dubai also secured the rights to host the International Philatelic Federation World Stamp Exhibition 2026 (1,000 delegates) and the Committee on Space Research Scientific Assembly and Associated Events 2028 (3,000 delegates).

Additionally, Dubai secured several prestigious corporate and incentive events in 2024, including: the Oppo Guangdong Incentive 2025 (4,000 delegates); Loyal Connect Global 2025 (3,000 delegates); the GLA Global Logistics Conference 2025 (1,500 delegates); the Forever Living Global Rally 2026 (12,000 delegates); the Emerson Exchange 2026 (2,500 delegates); and the Herbalife China Incentive 2026 (1,200 delegates).

To further support Dubai’s growing business events sector, DBE engaged with industry professionals at trade shows around the world, including IMEX Frankfurt, The Meetings Show, IBTM World, and IMEX America, and through ongoing promotional activities such as sales missions, fam trips, and site inspections throughout the year. Other important initiatives include the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, which mobilizes local experts and members from various professional fields to secure more events and welcome more delegates to Dubai in the coming years. Collaboration with key industry bodies, including the BestCities Global Alliance, the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), further facilitates growth.

This achievement follows key milestones in 2024, including the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranking Dubai as the city with the most association meetings in the Middle East region and ranking Dubai first in the “Top Meeting Destination in the Middle East and Africa” category. The articles on our website are for reference only. Those containing financial, investment, tax or legal content should not be regarded as financial advice or recommendation. Please see our full disclaimer policy.